Emmett Heitler

As a resident of Colorado, Emmett has dedicated his life to improving the state by selflessly giving his time and energy to his job, his family and his community. His remarkable business and philanthropic accomplishments are surpassed only by the level of integrity and honesty with which he has conducted himself each and every day of his life. As we celebrate his tremendous accomplishment of being inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame, let it be known that I, along with the people of Colorado, applaud his efforts and are eternally grateful for all that he has done for our state and our community.Born in Denver in 1909, Emmett excelled academically, graduating with honors from the University of Colorado with a degree in engineering before he was twenty years old. Shortly after, he took a job with General Electric as an electrical engineer, and later became a partner and founder of Fashion Bar stores in Denver. After marrying his wife, Dot, in 1937, Emmett went to work for Shwayder Bros. Inc., a manufacturer of Samsonite Luggage. Over the course of his career with Shwayder Bros. and Samsonite, Emmett advanced to General Manager, and eventually to Executive Vice President. He was instrumental in building Samsonite from a small local business into the world's largest luggage manufacturer and pioneered Samsonite's movement into new, cutting edge technology, most notably using plastics in manufacturing sleeker, more durable luggage.Emmett was not only an extraordinary businessman, but he was also a true philanthropist. Despite his demanding schedule, he always found time to give back to his community and lend a helping hand to anyone who might need it. He was active with the Jewish Community Center, serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and was a founding member of the Mile High United Way. He served as Executive Trustee of the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute for Cancer Research, was Chairman of the Board of the National Jewish Hospital and was a Member of the Board of the Denver Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Emmett has contributed a significant amount of time to the Anti-Defamation League, chaired the effort to build Temple Emanuel and was instrumental in renovating Green Gables Country Club.Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Emmett Heitler is a man of unparalleled dedication and commitment to his job, his community and his family. It is his unrelenting passion for each and every thing he does, as well as his spirit of honesty and integrity with which he has always conducted himself, that I wish to bring his efforts before this body of Congress. He is a remarkable man who has achieved extraordinary things and enriched the lives of so many people. It is my privilege to extend to him my sincere congratulations on his induction into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame and wish him all the best in the future.